Device for lowering coffins into graves.



No. 680,528. Patented Aug. l3, I90l.

' J. HEBWIG. I

DEVICE FOR LOWEBING GUFFINS INTO GRAVES.

(Application filed Feb. 15, 1901. (No Model.)

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UNITED STAT S PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN HERWIG, oE BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

DEVICE FOR LOWERING COFFINS INTO GRAVES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 680,528, dated August 13, 1901.

Application filedIebrnar y 15, 1901. Serial No. 47,491. (No model.) I

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN HERWIG, acitizen of the United States, residing at Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Devices for Lowering Caskets or Coflins into Graves, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in devices for lowering caskets or coffins into graves; and the main object of my invention is the provision of a simple, durable, cheap, and ornamental device which is readily engaged and after the casket or coffin has been deposited in the grave is easily and quickly disengaged.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a number of plates to be attached to the head and footor sides of the casket or coffin and means to engage said plates to lower the casket or cofin in the grave and be easily disengaged therefrom when the same has been deposited.

To attain the desired objects, myinvention consists of a device for the purpose described embodying novel features of construction and combination of parts, substantially as disclosed herein.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coffin or casket with my devices in position for use. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of one of the plates; Fig. 3 is a rear eleva-,

tion thereof. Fig. l is a view of the hook to engage said plate. Fig. 5 is a vertical central sectional View of one of the plates.

Referring to the drawings, A designates a casket or coffin, which has secured thereto by means of screws, either to the sides or the head and foot thereof-always in pairs-m'y invention.

My invention consists of a metal plate 13, which is cast so as to have the rounded abut ment or projection D, which presents the appearance of being embossed, as the under side of the plate is the same thickness under the projection as it is at the sides, thus providing the cavity or socket C under the abutment or projection. The plate is further provided with :an opening E through the abutment or projection D, leading into the cavity or socket, and said opening extends from the lower portion of the cavity to about midway of the abutment. Also formed in the upper surface of the plate and incliningfrom near the lower end thereof is a channel or groove F, which is the same width as the opening E and is adapted to guide the hook G, carried by the strap H, sov that itwillengage the plate through the opening E. The hook will then lie in the space or recess between the abutments inner wall and the body of the casket or coffin. By means of this groove F the hook is easily Withdrawn, as there are no edges or points presented to engage it as it slides out or into the opening E. In order that this plate may be an ornament upon a casket or coflin, the same is made of polished metal, either in brass, nickel, silver, or gold, and any desired ornamentation may be placed or engraved thereon without departing from the spirit of my invention. My preferred form, however, is made as shownthatis, the

plate is provided with the large and small pointed ends J and K, respectively, and the two oppositely arranged semicircular por tions M, which are provided with the openings or apertures N to receive the screws.

It is evident that I provide a very simple, durable, and cheap device for this purpose and one which can be easily and quickly applied for use.

I claim As an article of manufacture, a device of this character consisting of a plate made from a single casting, said plate being the same thickness throughout and being provided With an abutment or rounded projection from the body thereof as if embossed, so as to provide a socket or cavity in the plate below the same, said plate having an opening there through in the body of the abutment, and a guide channel or groove the same width as said opening inclining from the lower edge of the plate to the mouth of the opening therein, said channel being adapted to guide a hook into and out of the opening, and means to secure the plate to a coffin or casket.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN HERWIG.

Witnesses:

PHILIP HERWIG, JOHN ULLRIOH. 

